(CNN) - In his preparation to face Republican vice presidential candidate and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, Vice President Joe Biden will rehearse by debating the committee's top Democrat, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a source with knowledge of the debate preparations told CNN.

The decision signals the central role budget and entitlement issues may play in the debate and fall election, and follows the central role those issues have played since Paul was announced as presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's No. 2 nearly a week ago.– Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker

It also puts Biden opposite someone who knows well Ryan and his fiscal prowess.

Van Hollen's role was first reported by The New York Times.

The Maryland congressman and Budget Committee ranking member was on the offensive against Ryan earlier on Thursday, accusing Ryan on an Obama campaign conference call of supporting giving "windfalls to the private [health] insurance companies" at the expense of taxpayers and the solvency of Medicare.

Its time the senate to start debating the Paul Ryan Medicare bill that pasted in House so American will no the real truth

August 16, 2012 11:25 pm at 11:25 pm |

J.V.Hodgson

Thanks for the info, but not sure if it has an impact on what I think vote wise at this time.
personally at a loss as to why this information is relevant unless you name who Romney and Ryan will practice debate.
But that would be balanced reporting which seems to be a problem.
Regards,
Hodgson.

August 17, 2012 12:09 am at 12:09 am |

Four and The Door

Joe Biden only wishes he could stand up to a debate with Paul Ryan. It's not fair. Joe Biden is just an angry old man on his way out after a frustrating finish and Paul Ryan is a young star on his way up with some big, exciting and bold ideas.

I dont think that will work, dumicrats dont have anyone with I.Q. over 80.

August 17, 2012 12:53 am at 12:53 am |

Brady

I feel bad for Biden. Ryan is going to run circles around him. It won't even be a contest.

August 17, 2012 12:54 am at 12:54 am |

RD

Paul Ryan wanted to have Bozo-the-Clown for a debate prep partner, but he's dead. A call is out to Carrot Top; we're hoping he's available to fill in as "the Gift that keeps on giving.... gaffe a minute" Biden.